Physical therapy moves to HAWC

  • Published
  • By Capt. (Dr.) Kelly Ramey
  • 8th Medical Operations Squadron
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The base physical therapy clinic moved here recently to building 1055, a new location inside the Health and Wellness Center on the second floor of the fitness center.

"We are making it better for the patients," said Lt. Col. Joseph Ouma, 8th Medical Operations Squadron commander. "The new location is more convenient and much larger, increasing the number of patients that can be treated."

A core mission of the 8th MDOS staff is that of patient care. The move, Ouma said, will facilitate Kunsan Airmen and their varying needs with greater precision and focus.

"The benefit of this move is to provide patients a central location for treatments and provide advanced rehabilitation using the gym equipment," added Capt. Justin Gray, 8th MDOS physical therapist. "The services we provide have increased due to the availability and use of fitness facility equipment."

The clinic at its new location provides an array of patient services that treat multiple musculoskeletal injuries such as low back pain, ankle and knee sprains, rotator cuff injuries and foot pain.

Physical therapy is an integral element in recovering from a musculoskeletal injury, Gray said.

"Once an acute injury has healed, patients need to incorporate rehabilitation exercises into their workouts for injury prevention," said Gray. "Physical therapy speeds recovery allowing people to safely get back to work and their regular exercise routines."

Examples of the services the clinic provides to treat musculoskeletal injuries include: posture and gait analysis, strengthening, stretching, joint manipulation, pre- and post-surgical orthopedic rehabilitation, and health and fitness information. The clinic also provides treatments such as hot or cold packs, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and cervical and pelvic traction.

Patients can make an appointment either through a referral from their primary care provider or through a self-referral for acute or chronic issues. The clinic does not provide any emergency care.

The physical therapy clinic's new hours are Monday through Wednesday and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The clinic is closed during holidays and family days and can be reached at 782-4786 or 782-5719 for more information.